davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
of the can-can tendency. I noticed a

of the can-can tendency. 1 noticed
good many Americans smoking cigar
cites and walking about uneasily as if
they were ashamed to be seen at such a
place, but l have seen just as many at
the Butler, which is considered the
finest dance-hall or garden now in Paris
since the old Mabille has been destroyed.
1t is all the same whether it is the
Mabille, the Butler or the Tivoli, the
plan works-there are three or four
women who get salary from the pro-
prietors to be there every night and do a
little fancy dancing. They seem to go
through their performance automatically,
and while the crowd gathers around and
applauds them if they kick little high
or dance little exuberantly, they do
not seem to enter into it with the same
fervor or pleasure that the Germans do
with their simple quiet waltz.
The night was at the Tivoli there
were two girls who tried to earn their
wages, and once or twice really seemed
to warm up to the dance. There was
some high kicking, some showing of
stockings and no little applause from
the crowds around the set. There were
only four dancing, and two of them were
very demure, as sort of contrast to the
two rather lively girls. The music
blared forth, and the two girls went
through the motions of the can-can in
the same strain, and when it was over
they took their partners arms, sat down
in the garden and ordered some cognac
with absinthe.
The French do not care much for
beer, although they have what they call
"bock" there and sell it at the enormous
price of about half glass for ten cents.
Very bad, too, it is, and no wonder they
do not care for it. Their great drink is
brandy and absinthe, and the people at
the Tivoli enjoy that as much as our
German friends of the Tivoli in this city
do their lager.
French girls do not mind if you come
up and ask them to dance, and are only
too glad to entrap one, especially if he is
stranger, because they will fleece him
out of supper or drinks innumerable,
and make him pay price which will
suffice the proprietor to keep them in
drinks or food for day or two. While
in the Tivoli gardens, or in fact any of
the gardens, and in some of the theatres
of Paris, you will be pestered to death
by the flower girls or b0uQuetiere. They
will come up and pin rose or flower in
your buttonhole, and refuse to take it
out until you pay for it. They will then
sit down and ask you to treat them to
beer, or more probably brandy, and after
conversing with you awhile, and getting
all they can out of you, they will leave
you for somebody else.
often wonder how the women stand
it, drinking as much as they do, and l am
told they do not stand it very well, as
they can only follow that life for few
years, then become wrecks.
JOHN s. SHRIvER.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
reach to-day, it will, in all proba-
bility, appear to morrow.
In this the country resembles

the railway. The marvellous
rapidity of its mutations is stunning.
Strike out, my friend, into Gods land,
where Progress is spelled with very big P;
where men have no time to grow old; where
the census returns are so far behind the alb
solute per capita as to be about the only an
cient history recognized.
Think, if you can, of 100000 acres-an
area greater by upward of 300 square miles
than that of Rhode Island and Connecticut
combined-beng taken up for settlement
within a single year. This was the record of
Dakota and Minnesota, and the territories
of Wyoming and Washington present a
fair second thereto. Into that wonderful
chain of mills at Minneapolis goes the pro-
duct of this section, and although the ca
pacity of these mills is thirty thousand bar
rels of flour day, they are still extending,
and several of the largest are doubling their
capacities.
The day is not far distant when the vo-
taries of fashion, instead of making annual
pilgrimages to the Old World, will turn their
faces yearly toward these new countries
whose attractions lie not in moldy relics of
effete civilization, but rather in that constant
growing development in which the familiar
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

round and round until it makes one
giddy to look at them. There are all
sorts and kinds of partners, and the
most ludicrous sights are seen. A tall
man with little woman, or tall woman
with little man-one or the other
having to stoop over little. They go
slowly round and 70 vi and round, when
another couple will break across the
room at terrific rate of speed, upsetting
one or two of the slowly-moving couples,
causing CONSERVATION among those
waiting their turn. After the dance is
over and the band stops, they all return
to their tables and their beer, and the
kelners are kept busy bringing around
quart mugs of that liquid
Dancing on Sunday afternoon and
beer-drinking is one of the features of
this city. After one o'clock the stores
all close up. The people seem to wend
their way to the various places of amuse-
ment. Advertisements fill the papers
and street-corners announcing that the
dance will begin at such and such time
in the afternoon-generally about four
o'clock, and lasting until the next morn
ing. The Germans are proverbially early
in all their amusements, and often finish
long before midnight, but they seem to
except dancing in this rule, and they
keep it up until very late hour
The largest place in this city, perhaps,
is the Tivoli. 1t is gorgeous saloon,
fitted up with all the flaring colors of
German art. 1t has a good band of
music, an excellent floor to dance on,
and any number of pretty girls. These
frauleins, unlike their French sisters,
are very modest, and one has to be par
ticularly careful before he asks them to
dance, because you either receive slap
in the face for your impudence. or
soldier will approach you and say you
have insulted his lady friend. But there
is always way of getting around this
thing. The floor manager will provide
you with partner-that is, if you have
ticket of admission to the floor.
How different it is in Paris 1t was at
Tivoli, also, that 1 visited one night
about ten o'clock-for in Paris one has
to keep late hours if he wants to see
anything, the French are so habitually
lazy-yes, it was at the Tivoli, COM
paratively new ballroom or dance-hall,
after the style of the old Mabille. It
was a little early in the season, and
although the place was one mass of
mirrors and lights, gardens with foun-
tains and growing plants, it was hardly
up to the standard of Partisan balls in
mid-season. Yet there were number
of women there, and men, too, who
seemed to enjoy quadrille with little
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

ished wooden floor which served for the
dancers. At the far end was the band
of music, and like in many other similar
places, they put out sign denoting
what dance was then taking place or
about to begin. Only those thinking
to participate in the waltz are expected
to remain on the lower floor, the gallery
upstairs being provided for visitors or
families-that is, the old ladies and
children who do not care to dance, or
who want to drink beer alone-and up
stairs we went. We secured seat near
the balcony and enjoyed the fun below.
AS soon as the music struck up every
one left the tables and got into line
on the floor. There in column front of
tours the dancers formed half circle
around the floor. There were two floor
managers, and as the band started the
first one divided the circle in half, and
left one portion of it dancing on the floor
The second ballet-master stood at the
head of the column and kept the others
in line The first section was allowed to
dance for about five minutes, and then
they were gathered together like lot of
stray chickens and placed in line on the
other side of the hall Then the second
section was allowed to have it's turn, and
when stopped the semicircle was at the
other end of the building. Then the
two men went and collected the tickets
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
RED BOOTS.
A Form of Torture Which is Practiced
by Tartar Banditti.
Companion.

Form of Torture Which is Practiced
by Tartar Banditti.
Among the Tartars of the Ukraine boots
made of red leather are generally worn.
This fact gave rise to form of torture prac-
ticed, as an act of revenge, by the banditti
who formerly infested that region. The
victims skin was cut round the upper part
of his legs, and then torn off by the feet.
Some years ago the chief of desperate
gang of robbers became so troublesome that
large reward was offered for his capture.
A Russian soldier managed to secure the
robber and to hand him over to his COM
mander.
Instead of being executed the robber was
set at liberty. He had amassed wealth and
was able to pay the commander large sum
to release him.
One day, shortly after the capture, the
soldier was surprised to receive q visit from
the robber chief.
"You caught me once" said he to the
soldier, "but before you set out upon another
expedition in search of me, will give you a
pair of red boots for the Journey"
Having uttered this terrible threat, the
robber escaped. The soldier, knowing if he
gave a chance the threat would be executed,
and having no confidence in his command
er's honesty, determined to take the admin
istration of justice in his own hands.
He pursued the robber, and after several
cooked pistols in his hands, he found the
robber.
"You promised me-" said he "a pair of
red boots; am come to be measured for
them p and then shot the chief dead ON the
spot-Erchdnge.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
of the consulships, there are about 1000 ap.

of the consulships, there are about 1000 ap.
plicants.
''Those holding on to the upper bo1ghs
expect if they fall to catch upon the boughs
of the secretaries; and those disappointed in
obtaining them, hope to catch on the limbs
of consulships.
"For the place of plenipotentiary but one
of the hundred can be appointed, and the
ninety and nine falling upon the next boughs
increase the number of applicants to 800.
For the latter but one can be appointed, and
thus 1893 fall upon the consulships, increasing
the number of applicants to 1893. The
chance for a consulship is one in 1893. You
can, therefore, calculate your chances for the
consulship at Rio"
Then, sir" answered the astonished and
dismayed Scott, 81 may as well go home to
my clients, and quit the business of office
begging!" and he rose to his feet.
But, Mr.. Scott" resumed Mr.. Marcy,
motioning to him to resume his seat,
81 have advised the President that the
failure to obtain the higher office should not
give lien on the lower offices thus your
chance will remain as one to thousand
only for a consulship."
well, that chance is not worth waiting
for, and I'll go home" said Scott.
when you do" answered the secretary,
with twinkle in his eyes, 'go and prepare
for your passage to Rio, for your appoint
ment is already determined upon"
Then the secretary's sides shook with his
enjoyment of SCOTS joyful surprise. Youths
Companion.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

Some Specimen Communications Obtained
Through Gifted Medium.

Some Specimen Communications Obtained
Through a Gifted Medium.
Since attending a seance few nights ago
am q firm believer that spiritualism is big
thing.
The female who had the ghost in charge
(the visitors were charged. too) was
medium sized woman, of the Queen Anne
order of architecture, with cross eyes and
temper to match.
She said the conditions were favorable, and
that a choice assortment of spirits had
arrived and were prepared to do their best.
The way the spirits wereput through their
traces was this:
The medium sat on one side of the table
and the thirster after spiritual lore occupied
alow-lying stool on the ether. Both clasped
a slate which lay on the table, and on this
slate the spirits displayed their chirographi-
cal ability, or rather their inability.
1t was necessary to write question on a
slip of paper, roll it up in the shape of sugar
coated pill, and let the medium touch it
with her cold, clammy finger. Whereupon
the spirit, if he understood his business,
would place his answer on the slate.
A few of the questions and answers are ap-
pended:
'Mr. Bacon-Esteemed lord: Did you
write Shakspeare's plays?"
Answer-"Yes, wrote them plays after
night, when my other work was done. Bill
promised to pay me three pun ten apiece
for 'em, and he haint paid me yet.-BAooN."
"William Shakespeare, Esq.-Dear Bill &:
Bacon says you owe him e3 los. for each of
AIn, lnx 10 60. g Il s,O1i
Answer" Bacon is a hass. Didn't
promise him nothing for writing no plays
wrote 'em myself on typewriter. and
can lick the man who says l didn't. Ig
Donnelly is crank and will come to some
bad end.-WM. SHAKESPEARE"
Captain Kidd - Respected mariner I:
Where did you bury your treasurer"
Answer-"Never buried any treasure
Had none to bury. Just before 1 died
paid plumbers bill-KIDD."
"Mr. Franklin-Dear Benjamin: Is it
true that you did not discover lightning I'M
til after you were married?"
Answer-"Rats l--BENJ FRANKLIN"
Benedict Arnold-Sir: How is the traitor
industry? Is it hot enough for your"
Answer-'Go to Tophet-B. A"
While these questions were being an
swered in such satisfactory manner it
seemed that mob of spirits, not specially
asked, were hustling each other around the
table. Some of them were evidently afraid
that no questions would be asked them, and
so they kindly volunteered some choice bits
of information, from which the following
are selected:
"Ye man who invented we little Ratchet
story is liar, and we truth is not in him.
G. WASHINGTON"
1--WE is very happy here.-LINDLEY MUIR
RAY"
81 am lerning tn spel.-JosH BILLINGS"
The medium said it was very seldom so
large company of spirits could be induced
to talk at once, and it really seemed as
though the seance was a success.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

Here the old adage, 'Tall oaks from little
acorns grow" receives a practical illustra-
ton, for the system is not unlike a tree,
whose trunk rests upon the lake shore,
whose branches are outstretched throughout
the Northwest; and somewhat as the count
less leaves Of some grand old forest monarch
are the towns and the hamlets and the settle
ments upon its main line and numerous
branches. At the risk of being accused of
putting" and of lending to this article
something of heappe arance of the so-much-
a-Iine epistle, one cannot refrain from ex-
pressing the opinion that it makes no differ
ence where one may wish to go in Michigan,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Wyoming
Iowa, Nebraska or Illinois, it is safe to pur-
chase a ticket via the Chicago and North
western Railway. Where the road may not
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

possibly inadequate attention. The road
adheres to its original policy of direct con-
tact with its patrons, believing that in caring
for each and every one alike the greatest
good to the greatest number must, in
the end, be secured.
While rates are equal, and in nothing is
the expense greater than by other routes,
there is an attention which cannot be APP
preached, a service which the most fastidi-
GUS cannot criticise, and an absolute COM
fort, which makes the journey pleasure in
stead of a burden. This principle applying
with equal force to individuals, ladies or
children travelling alone as to organized par
ties, has resulted in establishing most sat
isfactory relations between the railway
and the public. This may be considered
rather strong language, but truth is the
greatest compliment which can be be-
slowed; and if it be true why not state it?
This statement is the result of personal
observation, and, in the language of the
witness-stand, is ''the truth and nothing
but the truth"
You may ask why no other route is men
toned. Again say l, what is the user
speak whereof know. PANG.
Be wisely worldly, be not worldly wise.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

from each of the gentlemen, because an
admission fee of few cents is charged
to every one who uses the floor. After
the tickets are collected the floor masters
clap their hands, and the whole crowd
are set off in motion. 1t is strange way
of regulating things, but it keeps the
floor from being overcrowded, and allows
every one to have little fun.
The Germans dance most particularly,
that is in great many dance-halls have
seen. The gentleman clasps the lady
most tightly, while she responds in the
same manner, and they turn round and
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
Especial Corresp0ndence.1

DRESDEN One would hardly call
Sunday in America day to go to ball,
except to baseball; but in Germany Sun
day afternoon is the greatest of all the
days in the week for the sportive youth
and his young girl to trip the light fan
tastic and enjoy themselves drinking
beer.
In all the large towns in Germany
there are innumerable dance-halls.
These are all constructed on the same
plan, though, of course, like everything
else, some are finer than others, larger
better embellished, and have a smoother
dancing floor. At all the shooting or
national festivals where crowd collects
there are always one or two dance-halls
temporized for the occasion, and always
dancing. Unlike the French people,
they are very staid in dancing as they
are in all their other amusements or oc-
equations. While the French like lively
and at times exhilarating waltzes, or the
famous can-can, the Germans are con-
tent with slow-measured step or waltz.
1t was Sunday afternoon that to-
gether with two friends we were walk
ing through the rain in this city
when we heard the strain of music
coming from one of these halls. 1t
was about half-past four, and we were
thinking that we would see something
novel, so we decided to enter. We went
In, paid sixty centimes for the three, or
five cents apiece, and got our admission
tickets. We went up the large stairway,
and on reaching the landing were met
by fower-girl who tried to sell us roses
for buttonhole. She was arrayed in
full evening costume, but, unlike the
French 6ouquetiere found in similar
places, she was exceedingly modest and
did not try to force herself upon us, ex
cepting to ask us to buy her flowers, and
being met with refusal she retired be-
hind her little booth, and would not even
look at us. We went past the girls
little booth into the main hall. 1t re-
minded me very much of Harry
Hills place in New York. All
around were little tables at which
were seated innumerable couples
drinking the ever present beer.
The centre of the room was great
circle. About a half foot below
the main floor was wax or pol
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

are not incidental to the march of civiliza-
ton.
The "bone express was frontier parlance
indicative Of the recognized line, or rather
lines, of communication from the starting
point upon the Illinois lake front to objec-
tive points as widely divergent as were the
aims of the sturdy men who "blazed" their
way over an expanse so vast and trackless
that it was to many the veritable "Valley
of the Shadow of Death"
The oldtime theory that "one-half the
world knows not how the other half lives''
has its parallel in the fact that neither half
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
DRY HUMOR.
How the Secretary of State Talked to an
Impatient Applicant.

Impatient Applicant.
William L. Marcy, Secretary of State dur
ing the administration of President Pierce,
had dry humor in which he often INDUCED,
though he seldom laughed. A lawyer of
Richmond, Va. Mr.. R. G. Scott, applied for
the consulship at Rio de Janeiro. The place
had been promised him. but the nomination
was delayed so long that Mr.. Scott becom-
ing impatient, visited Washington to see
what caused his appointment to chang fire."
Calling on Mr.. Marcy, he frankly said that
he was embarrassed by the uncertainty and
tired of the delay, and wished to be plainly
told what he might expect.
''Mr. Scott" said the secretary, in a dry,
hard tone, "for every bough of the top Of
the tree of appointments-for the mission
plenipotentiary, for example--there are about
one hundred applicants; for the middle
boughs, the secretaries of legation, there are
about 300 applicants; and for the lower limbs
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19
Eating Eight Wives.

Here is an opportunity for the Mikado to
discover a punishment to fit the crime"
Mr.. Hatton, the explorer, speaks of canni-
bal who enjoys the distinction of having
eaten eight wives. Alas if he could only
be afflicted with an indigestion in proportion
to this enormityi
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

million bushels of grain from .I4M@
that territory alone. .Iaags
AS Chief of the Weather Bureau - 49,
he found this "arid waste so i'm <zSa
portant as to justify the location
OF nine signal-service stations lTSa
within its boundaries. EEfS
Gentle reader, do not turn from -
this page of ''ancient history"
with anxious eye to the latest
fluctuations of the stock and grain
markets. It may be better to con-
slider material than speculative
things. The time must come when the
question of ways and means will rest upon
more substantial basis than the twists and
turns of Wall-street kings.
If ever American industry can checkmate
the English policy of opening the arabic
fields of India against our wheat producing
sections, we must look to the Northwest for
the accomplishment of such result. No
where on the continent can the slave labor
of India be counterbalanced by fertility and
production, and low cost of cultivation, I'M
less it be in the bread fields of Minnesota
and Dakota.
Thanks to the Interstate Commerce Law, a
newspaper man may speak of railways with
out the implication of payment for pass
favors. 1t is fashionable to deride railway
interests, and assert that corporations have
no souls; that they are cormOrants, "fatten-
ing upon the body polite. What nonsense!
Men are men the world over, and the rail-
way official who seeks reasonable return
for the service which his company renders
the public can with no more justice be ac-
cused of lack of conscience than can the
horny-handed agriculturist be likewise up
braided for his desire to secure an honest re-
ward for his physical investment
What would be the condition of the North
west to-day were it not for the enormous
outlay of money involved in the extension
and perfection of railway systems?
Look at the map the country from Lake
Michigan to the British Possessions. Take
the Chicago and Northwestern Railway map,
for instance. 1t is good one even if it was
prepared by railroad. 1t has the merit of
being geographically correct-a merit not
generally found in similar publications.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

Governess-Why, Ethel, you're fifteen and
can't spell your family name correctly
Ethel-Oh, it doesn't matter-rll be
changing it soon any wayl
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-11-19

has a comprehensive realiza-
ton of what this country was
and what it is becoming.
There is little hazard in the
wager that the present reader
does not remember off-hand
that Missouri had been adj
mitted to the Union as a
State, and st. Louis was carry
ing on a regular trade with
Santa Fe, whilst the Sacs and
Foxes, the Pottowatamies
and Cherokees still held pos
session of the Illinois lake
shore, where Chicago now
stands.
Within the twenty years
the now fertile plains of the
Northwest were described as
the "Great American Des-
ert." In fact, as late as 1875
General Hazen, in charge of
a military post at Fort Blu
ford, voluminously labored
to prove that Dakota was an
"arid waste" fit only to raise
cacti, prairie dogs, sage brush
and Indians. He lived long
enough to see a population
Of over half a million, and a
production of nearly sixty